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Our Review

Great name, PJ Parker. It's fun, memorable, and classic all at the same time! And amazingly enough, those words also describe the artist's holiday release, It's Christmas. Framed just by the piano and bass, vocalist PJ Parker presents traditional, minimalist jazz, providing the sort of intimate experience you would count yourself lucky to experience in a swank urban watering hole in late December.

Parker has a sparkle in her eye and smoky intonation in her flexible jazz instrument. The artist brings considerable craft and color to each word and tone, making it a pleasure to absorb the emotional highs and lows. From the sly delights of Jingle Bells and the playful (Everybody's Waitin' for) the Man with the Bag to Parker's aching interpretation of moving gems such as A Child Is Born and I Wonder as I Wander, the album is consistently entertaining. Parker's own Not Beneath the Tree is a well-written ballad about the greatest gifts, which (not surprisingly) cannot be purchased online. It's Christmas nicely combines the sacred and secular, and the overall tone is slightly subdued and richly contemplative.

Those who favor sophisticated jazz stylings will find much to love here. PJ Parker's release is a delectable dish for the holidays, perfect for two to enjoy by candlelight!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

PJ Parker: Vocals
Vinnie Ruggieri: Piano
Earl Sauls: Bass

Recorded and Mixed by Bill Bowman
Executive Producers: PJ Parker and Bill Bowman


From the Website:

PJ Parker is a native New Yorker whose first improvised recording was at age three, performing Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song."

Her first taste of performing in front of a live audience came a little later, around age five, in several Long Island restaurants. Much to the chagrin of her parents, she would frequently disappear, only to be discovered politely taking requests, her remuneration a fat green or black olive from the relish tray. Her love of olives continues to this day.

From producing neighborhood backyard traveling shows to church and school solo performances, she went on to New York University to major in vocal music, studying the classics in five languages, and went on the road after graduation. Her touring with various show bands took her up and down the East Coast, Midwest and an extended stay in the Bahamas.

From concerts to dinner theater, summer stock, regional theater and musical reviews -- favorites including Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living In Paris, 110 in the Shade, and Pippin -- PJ has also been the featured vocalist with orchestras and bands from Atlantic City to New York City.

PJ Parker

It's Christmas

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Track List